UNESCO International Jazz Day 2025

On International Jazz Day our students, staff and alumni were well-represented at the Adelaide Festival Centre's Annual Concert in the Dunstan Playhouse, Wednesday 30 April.

Alumna Ciara Ferguson (and current jazz staff member) presented her folk-inspired jazz works from her COMA commission with a band featuring all alumni – Bonnie Grynchuk (née Aué) on bass, Zed Crawford on drums, and with vocalists Stacey Theel (née Tonkin) and Jamsine Hall (née Ferguson).

'Ciara's musicianship is next level. Not only is she an exceptional pianist, her voice is just sublime. When blending with the other two vocalists, it was pure harmonic magic. Their intricate three-part harmonies filled the Dunstan Playhouse.'

– Ben Stefanoff, Glam Adelaide

New ensemble 'Adelaide Edition' comprised of staff, alumni and current students opened the evening premiering two new pieces – the UNESCO Cities of Music Jazz Day Relay piece 3.23 am and A Glimmer, both composed by Head of Jazz Mark Simeon Ferguson. The group features James Muller on guitar, Lucinda Wearing on alto saxophone, Jasmine Hall on trombone, Ben Spitty on trumpet, Tasha Stevens on bass, Bailey Hall on drums and Ferguson on piano.

The UNESCO Cities of Music International Jazz Day Relay piece 3.23 am was performed and recorded by artists in 21 countries with videos from each country and a composite 'jazz relay' available on YouTube. To follow the piece in its entirety, check out the versions from Adelaide, Poland, and South Korea.

We are especially thrilled that 2023 Jazz honours alumna Danica Elle (Lammertsma) was presented with the 2025 COMA Emerging Jazz Writer's Award. A dedicated performer in the Adelaide jazz scene, Danica has worked with various ensembles and venues. In 2023, Danica began writing and performing her own original music, debuting two sets at Hal's Hall in November 2024. Alongside her performance career, she also teaches private vocal lessons, helping to nurture the next generation of jazz musicians. Congratulations Danica, we can't wait to hear what you create!